Putin issues chilling warning on rising nuclear war threat

December 20, 2018

MOSCOW (AP) — Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a chilling warning Thursday about the rising threat of a nuclear war, saying “it could lead to the destruction of civilization as a whole and maybe even our planet” — and putting the blame squarely on the U.S.

Speaking at his annual news conference, Putin scoffed at Western claims he wants to dominate the world and said Western countries are antagonizing Russia for their own domestic reasons …

Instead he sought to paint himself as the world’s protector. Pointing at the U.S. intention to withdraw from the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces, or INF, Treaty, Putin warned that if the U.S. puts intermediate-range missiles in Europe, Russia will be forced to take countermeasures.

“We are witnessing the breakup of the arms control system,” Putin said, noting the U.S. plan to opt out of the INF Treaty and its reluctance to negotiate the extension of the New START agreement. U.S. officials say the withdrawal from the INF was prompted by Russian violations of the treaty.

Putin noted that Western analysts are talking about the possibility of using low-yield nuclear weapons.

“There is a trend of lowering the threshold” of using nuclear weapons, Putin said. “Lowering the threshold could lead to a global nuclear catastrophe.”

“We will have to ensure our security,” he said. “And they shouldn’t squeak later about us gaining unilateral advantages. We aren’t seeking advantages, we are trying to preserve the balance and ensure our security.”

Putin also emphasized that the U.S. is pondering the use of ballistic missiles with conventional warheads, saying that the launch of such a missile could be mistaken for the launch of a nuclear-tipped one and trigger a global catastrophe.

“If that happens, it could lead to the destruction of civilization as a whole and maybe even our planet,” he said.

Putin also noted that the U.S. appears to show little interest in extending the New START nuclear arms reduction treaty, which expires in 2021.

If the US puts intermediate-range missiles in Europe, Russia will take countermeasures, Putin said at his end-of-year press conference. He warned the “threshold” for the use of nuclear weapons was getting lower.
An attempt to lower the threshold for the use of nuclear weapons could potentially result in an all-out nuclear war, Russian President Vladimir Putin warned during his traditional end-of-year press conference on Thursday. It is the first such event since the beginning of Putin’s new presidential term in May and the fourteenth for him in total.

“There is a tendency to lower the threshold for the use of nuclear weapons,” he said. “In the West, there is this idea of using low-yield nuclear weapons. The use of such weapons could lead to a global disaster,” the Russian leader stressed.

Essentially, the US position is that Russia has essentially developed weapons that violate the treaty, so the USA does not want to be bound by it.

As it turns out, some in Europe were opposed to Donald Trump’s announcement, but the UK supportive:

December 2018

In 2014, Washington publicly alleged that Moscow had violated the pact by testing and, since 2017, deploying a prohibited cruise missile system, known as the SSC-8 or 9M729 in U.S. and Russian designations, respectively.1 …

European responses to Trump’s termination announcement reflect this variation. On one end of the spectrum, allies that support strengthening NATO in a manner that deters but does not threaten Russia prefer to remain in dialogue with Moscow. For example, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas was the first to express regret about Trump’s announcement.8 Despite sympathy for U.S. frustration in dealing with Russia, he called the decision a “mistake” and pledged diplomatic engagement with Moscow and Washington to save the accord.9 Maas also made it clear that Germany has no appetite for an arms race in Europe.10 Similarly, immediately after the withdrawal announcement, French President Emmanuel Macron picked up the phone and reminded his counterpart in the White House of the importance France ascribes to the treaty, in particular for European security and strategic stability.11 …

ELKO, Nevada (AP) — President Donald Trump says his intention to scrap a landmark arms control agreement Russia follows years of violations by Moscow in developing prohibited weapons, and “we’re not going to be the only one to adhere to it.” The Kremlin said the pullout “would be a very dangerous step.”

Britain said it stood “absolutely resolute” with the U.S., while Germany called Trump’s move “regrettable.”

Heiko Maas said in a statement Sunday that the three-decades-old Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty is “an important pillar of our European security architecture” and Trump’s announcement “raises difficult questions for us and Europe.” …

He says Germany is urging Washington to “consider the possible consequences” of its decision, including for a US-Russian nuclear disarmament treaty beyond 2021. …

Germany’s foreign minister, Heiko Maas, said Trump’s move was “regrettable,” the treaty was “an important pillar of our European security architecture” and a pullout “raises difficult questions for us and Europe.” Maas also said Germany has repeatedly urged Moscow to “clear up the serious allegations of breaching the INF treaty, which Russia has so far not done.”

But Britain’s defense secretary, Gavin Williamson, said his country stands “absolutely resolute” with the United States on the treaty dispute. Williamson blamed Russia for endangering the arms control pact and he called on the Kremlin to “get its house in order.”

Williamson told the Financial Times on Sunday that Moscow had made a “mockery” of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty.

In late October 2016, Russia revealed its RS-28 Sarmat thermonuclear-armed ballistic missile. It has been dubbed as ‘Satan 2’ by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). It supposedly has the power to destroy an area the size of the State of Texas or the nation of France. Could it ever possibly be used to destroy either of those areas? What does the Bible say? What do Bible prophecies say about Europe, the USA, and Russia in the end times? Which power does the Bible teach will be made ‘a desolation’ by a Russian-led confederation? Could Satan 2 possibly be used? Dr. Thiel answers these questions and more.

People who are trusting in Donald Trump and/or the US military, instead of looking to trust God and striving to be in His Kingdom, are deceiving themselves.

Before going further, let me state that Bible prophecy does NOT show that Russia will be the lead military power to destroy the USA–according to scripture that will be Europe (cf. Daniel 11:39; Revelation 13:1-4).

Also, let me state that contrary to the view of various Protestant prophecy commentators, the prophecies involving Russia in Ezekiel 38 are NOT for this time. Ezekiel 38 is for the distant future–and right at/after the millennium (cf. Revelation 20:7-9; see also Ezekiel 38: For Russia & Iran in Our Day?; a related video is also available titled Ezekiel 38: For Russia, Ukraine, & Iran Now?). But that does not mean that there cannot be military conflict between the USA and Russia now (and there is likely to be some).

Could the USA be hit by ‘Satan 2,’ ‘Poseidon,’ ‘Avengard,’ or some similar weapon?

Yes.

It is possible that Russia would share its technology with Europe, give various weapons to the Beast of the Sea (Revelation 13:1-10), and/or launch one or more against the USA itself. Or Europe may get some ideas from the Avengard, Poseidon, and ‘Satan 2’ programs to prepare their own superweapons.

But also notice something that the late Pastor General of the old Worldwide Church of God, Hebert Armstrong, wrote decades ago, during the time of the old Soviet Union, in an article titled Why Russia Will Not Attack the United States:

For decades now, the prospect of war between Russia and the United States has continually heightened and lessened.

Many who claim to be authorities on prophecy assure people a war involving Russia and the United States, Canada and England is prophesied in Ezekiel 38.

The United States, Britain and other democracies of north-western Europe, they recognize, are nations descended from the lost Ten Tribes. Therefore, they conclude, the prophecy of Ezekiel 38 foretells a military invasion of the North American continent from the Soviet Union. But this is not what prophecy says…

But this very fact – that this invasion will not come until after the Second Coming of Christ – will seem preposterous to many, at first thought.

That is because we have been accustomed merely to assume things that are not true. We have blindly assumed that when Christ comes, there will be no opposition. Every person and power on earth, we have thought, will simply submit meekly and instantly to him and his power. But that is not true!

Some gentile nations understandably shall not submit until forced to. The final restoration of the Roman Empire shall be subdued and conquered at a battle commonly called “Armageddon.” But the populous nations of Eurasia that the Almighty God up to this point has not dealt with shall still have to be brought to submission.

“Gog” Identified

“Gog in the land of “Magog” is the vast regions of the U.S.S.R. in northern Eurasia extending from the Baltic to the Pacific. “Meshech” is Moscow, “Tubal” is Tobol’sk.

Notice the allies who come with them in this future battle. You will find “Gomer” “Togarmah,” “Magog,” “Meshech” “Tubal” identified in Genesis 10 as the sons of Japheth, father of the Eurasians. Ethiopia and Phut (mistranslated Libya) are descended from Ham.

Therefore, this prophecy of Ezekiel 38 shows who shall finally succeed in marshaling peoples of each major race into a gigantic invasion upon our people.

When God begins to rule the world, through Christ – with His chosen people restored to prosperity in the land of Israel, the very center of the land surface of the earth (verse 12, Moffatt translation) – this, great Eurasian union of nations shall finally be tempted to use their mighty air force. (Armstrong HW. Why Russia Will Not Attack the United States, article).

Some Bible scholars assert falsely that these prophecies of Ezekiel were fulfilled anciently. They never were. Others believe they are about to occur but some years before Armageddon. Both views are erroneous. The events of Ezekiel 38 and 39 are without question still future – for the “latter days” (38: 16) and “latter years” (38:8). Moreover, Ezekiel 38:14 describes the time setting as being “in that day when my people of Israel dwelleth safely.” This is certainly not the situation in the State of Israel to- day! The Israel described by Ezekiel is a nation that dwells in security, in unwalled villages, totally unprepared for war (38:8, 11, 14). Read it for yourself! (Why Russia Will Not Attack the United States. WCG booklet)

But that does not mean that there cannot be military conflict between the USA and Russia now (and there may be some).

Back in 1962, notice something from two articles that the old Radio Church of God published:

Modern Europe is counseling and making treaties and alliances and agreements to conquer this earth! … Germany, those living in Germany, even the German government, may not yet know that they are going to join in a treaty with the Russians to destroy the United States and bring it to its knees-it is not in his “heart” to think so, but on the other hand it IS in his “heart” to destroy-the very characteristic of the Assyrian, the modern German, is a harsh, cruel, iron, dedication to militarism and destruction! … MAN’S ONLY HOPE LIES IN TURNING TO HIS CREATOR GOD! “At what instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom. to pluck up, and to pull down, and to destroy it; If that nation, against whom I have pronounced, TURN FROM THEIR EVIL, I will repent of the evil that I thought to do unto them… Behold, I frame evil against YOU, and devise a device against YOU: return ye now EVERY ONE from his evil way and make your ways and your doings good!” (Jer. 18:7, 8, 11). The case of America and Great Britain is hopeless! The case of America and Great Britain is hopeless! (Hill DJ, God’s Destiny for Germany. Plain Truth, March 1962, pp. 28-29)

The German people are now asking themselves: “Can we rely on the Americans and British?” … These questions lead to rhe logical conclusion that maybe the only people the Germans can rely on themselves. They are now thinking: “Perhaps we can strike a better bargain with the Russians ourselves.” …

Once a German-dominated Europe is fully established, Germany will be ready to negotiate and bargain with Russia– and behind the backs of the Western Allies if necessary. …

When will a Russo-German deal be made? Here is a quotation from a circular letter issued in September, 1950 by the Nazi Geo-political Center in Madrid: “However long we may continue to milk the Americans of millions of dollars, there must come the inevitable moment when we shall have to make it crystal clear to them that we are not willing to join the fight against Russia for American interests … (Germany Plots with the Kremlin by T H. Terens, p. 15). …

Most Americans and Britons are not aware of what Germany and Europe are planning against them. This is partly due to the cunning of German. politics. …

World events are moving swiftly toward the climax when Great Britain and the United. States will be attacked, conquered and DESTROYED! (Boraker R. Are the Germans Secretly Dealing with Moscow? Plain Truth, May 1962, pp. 45-47)

Yes, I, too, expect that Russia will make a deal with the Europeans.

Because of military and political considerations, the European King of the North might be inclined to give Russia all or parts of Alaska as well as possibly parts of Canada, as well as some people from those lands.

While WWIII will mainly be a war between Europe and the USA and its Anglo-Saxon allies, Russia will likely be involved. Despite what many think about Europe and the military of the USA, the USA will lose. The following Bible prophecy shows that:

39 Thus he shall act against the strongest fortresses with a foreign god, which he shall acknowledge, and advance its glory; and he shall cause them to rule over many, and divide the land for gain (Daniel 11:39).

The strongest fortresses in the world belong to the USA and to a much lesser extent, its English-speaking allies (for a more detailed explanation of why the USA and its Anglo-allies are involved, as well as the dividing of their lands, please see Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel). Some would call this attack World War III(WWIII).

The “he” mentioned in Daniel 11 is the EuropeanKing of the North, who is also the Beast of the Sea in Daniel 7 and Revelation 13.

Now, did you notice that ‘he’ divides the land of the place with the strongest military for gain?

7 For thus says the Lord: “Sing with gladness for Jacob, And shout among the chief of the nations; Proclaim, give praise, and say, ‘O Lord, save Your people, The remnant of Israel!’ 8 Behold, I will bring them from the north country, And gather them from the ends of the earth, Among them the blind and the lame, The woman with child And the one who labors with child, together; A great throng shall return there. 9 They shall come with weeping, And with supplications I will lead them. I will cause them to walk by the rivers of waters, In a straight way in which they shall not stumble; For I am a Father to Israel, And Ephraim is My firstborn. 10 “Hear the word of the Lord, O nations, And declare it in the isles afar off, and say, ‘He who scattered Israel will gather him, And keep him as a shepherd does his flock.’ (Jeremiah 31:7-10)

While the ‘land of the north’ has to do with end time Babylonian Europe (cf. Zechariah 2:6-7), the “end of the earth” comment indicates that Russia will also have been involved. Some of the descendants of Jacob, which includes the Anglo-American nations (see Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel), will end up in the “ends of the earth” (this includes Russia, cf. Jeremiah 50:41) and will later be freed as Jeremiah 31 points to.

A recent headline was “Is Trump Pushing Germany to Russia?” There have been comments by German and Russian leaders that they have aligned interests that Donald Trump opposes and need to take financial, military, and other steps to assist Europe. Russia and the EU (European Union) still support the Iran nuclear deal, Paris Climate accords, and the World Trade Organization, despite Donald Trump’s actions against them. Have there been comments to replace the USA’s SWIFT system by the Russians and Germans? What is Russia’s MIR payment system? What about talks for the EU to have trade and other arrangements with the EAEU (Eurasian Economic Union)? Did the old Radio Church of God foretell of the development of a Russian and German plan to eliminate the USA? Has Russia indicated that it wants Alaska back? Is the giving of USA territories to Russia by a coming European leader consistent with a prophecy in the Book of Daniel?

Irrespective of what happens with the INF deal, a deal between Europe and Russia will happen and it will NOT end well for the USA (Daniel 11:39) nor for its Anglo-Saxon descended allies (Daniel 8:24-25).